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Maximize the value of your personal injury case by keeping good records. If you are injured as a result of another person's careless behavior you may be entitled to compensation for the harm that was done to you. The law calls this compensation "damages". In a personal injury action, your damages include your economic losses, lost income, and medical expenses, as well as your non-economic losses, for example, your pain and suffering. In order to obtain compensation, however, you must present evidence of your damages. If you can't prove it you can't recover compensation for it. This means you have to keep Good Records to get the maximum value from your personal injury case. here are three record-keeping tips you can start using today.
- Keep a separate calendar for all injury-related events, including doctors' appointments, Home Health Care visits, and days you missed work.
- Keep a diary to track your symptoms and the impact of your injuries on your daily life.
- Save all documents related to your treatment, including all medical bills, insurance statements, treatment notes, prescriptions, receipts, and invoices.
Being a good record keeper can be time-consuming and tedious, but it will be worth your effort. Start early, get organized, and stay on top of it.
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Why You Should Always Visit a Doctor After an Accident in California
A physician can help you identify injuries you did not know you had. Depending on the circumstances of your wreck, your doctor may ask you to submit to different tests, including X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. While these tests can be time-consuming, they are intended to ensure that you have not suffered serious harm.
Beyond being able to diagnose physical disorders, your doctor’s visit serves another critically important purpose: if you ever do need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, seeking prompt medical attention demonstrates a clear correlation between the accident and your injuries.
If you wait too long to visit a doctor, the insurance company or the other motorist’s attorney may accuse you of fabricating complaints to secure a larger settlement.
Keeping Track of Your Medical Records Is Key
Even if you are not sure whether you will ever need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you should always keep track of any and all medical records related to a car accident. You should preserve:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Medical bills
- Physician’s notes and written diagnoses
- Hospital intake and admission forms
- Recommendations for corrective surgery or physical rehabilitation
Your medical documents will assist your Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer in creating a compelling case. By preserving, collecting, and later reviewing evidence, you may be able to argue for a higher settlement with the other driver or their insurance company.
Need More Help? Get Our Accident Book for Free!
If you want more information on having the strongest accident claim possible, download a FREE instant copy of our book The 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Accident Claim. You can also download our free guide, Ten Mistakes People Make When Dealing With Doctors After an Accident.